OECD test strategies and methods for endocrine disruptors

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Toxicology
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Growing public and scientific concern exists regarding the potential adverse effects of chemical substances on the endocrine system.
• Endocrine disruptors can impact both human health and environmental quality through estrogenic, androgenic, or thyroid activities.
• A critical need exists for validated testing strategies and methods to assess these chemicals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the need for reliable testing strategies for endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs).
• To validate specific screening and testing guidelines developed by the OECD's EDTA working group.
• To expand the international "tool-box" for regulatory agencies and industry to identify and assess EDCs.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of a tiered-testing strategy, starting with rapid screening assays.
• Validation of specific OECD test guidelines, including the uterotrophic, Hershberger, and enhanced TG 407 assays.
• Completion of experimental testing for uterotrophic and enhanced TG 407 assays, nearing completion for Hershberger.

Main Results:

• The validation program for OECD test guidelines has been highly successful.
• Data from the uterotrophic assay have been published; data from other assays are pending evaluation.
• The validated methods will significantly enhance the capacity for EDC identification and risk assessment.

Conclusions:

• The OECD's validation efforts have yielded a robust set of screening and testing guidelines for EDCs.
• These validated methods will be incorporated into international OECD test guidelines.
• Further development of screening and testing procedures is recommended to cover a broader range of human health and environmental effects.